We are getting closer to adopting us a dog. No breeder dogs for us, strictly rescue and shelter dogs. The past couple of weekends we have been going to shelters and adoption events and met some really sweet dogs. Didn’t find a perfect match yet. As we meet all these great dogs we have to remind ourselves that dog and human lifestyles need to line up for a happy outcome. Thanks to Best Dawg Rescue and the Washington Animal Rescue League for doing the good work that they do.

Here are some of the cuties that have pulled on our hearts.

This is Bruce and he is way too big for us. But so, so sweet and has perhaps the softest coat I have ever come across. Like a big plush toy.

Bagle was on the shy side but had the trademark soft beagle head and ears. I think John got it right when he said that beagles may love to snuggle but their minds always seem to be elsewhere. Eyes and nose never seem to rest. Kind of cat-like in their independence.

Dobermans look so much friendlier when their ears aren’t cropped. I might have been wary of a doberman, but Janie came up and licked my hand. It was all snuggly after that.

Pictures do not do Brix justice. He was a really friendly guy who unfortunately needs a dog sibling. We aren’t quite ready for two dogs yet.

Elora is Brix’s roommate and also needs a house with another dog. The two of them together are quite the pair. Believe me I am tempted to take both.

Normally I would not be drawn to a Brittany Spaniel, but Byron was quite the lover. And best of all he seemed to like me more than he liked John. I note this because everyone (humans and dogs) tends to like John better than me. But the folks said that Byron would need lots and lots of exercise. And although I do as well, I didn’t think it was realistic to think that we would take Bryon jogging every day.

I don’t think it will be one of these dogs, but stay tuned to see the dog of our dreams. The one who will snuggle up next to me in the library or on the porch.﻿

22 thoughts on “Oh, the dogs I could love…”

I dream about the day I'll be settled enough to have a dog! My ideal breed would be a Bichon Frise (although I also lurve Bouvier des Flandres, I think I'd need a country estate to justify such a huge dog!), but I think I'd rather do the rescue route. I even have the perfect literary names picked out, lol. That's years down the road for me, though, so for now I just live vicariously. :D

They are all so adorable! I'm definitely more of a cat person (I shouldn't even admit such a thing on this post should I?) but was staying with a friend who had 2 dogs this past few weeks and they definitely grew on me :)

And GREAT that you are getting rescue dogs. Both of my cats are from the shelter, and they are just purrrfect!

Hurray for rescuing shelter dogs! We have two pooches of our own, and one (pitbull mix) was rescued from a kill shelter. A lot of people are wary of pits, but Emmy Lou is honestly the biggest snuggle bug you will ever find. Despite being badly abused as a puppy by her previous owners (who left her at the shelter after she ran away), she doesn't have an aggressive bone in her body. She loves cuddling and playing and is great with people and other dogs (including our little corgi). We have our hands full with our two fur kids right now, but should the day ever come when we decide to get another dog, I'm sure it will be rescued from a shelter.

We have been trying to find a perfect rescue dog, too. It's very tough, because we don't have a lot of room outdoors for a dog to run around, so we need one that is on the relatively small side, but there are so many sweet, sweet big dogs out there. I hope they all find homes. Good luck with your search. I'm sure you will eventually find the right guy or (gal).

I couldn't really look at the pics because I was thinking of the ones not taken. I'll tell you though that two dogs are easier than one. Honest and true. They have each other when their people are gone. They have that 'dogness' that comes with there being more than one in a house. They are happy, happy when there are two.

While I believe in my soul in rescue dogs, I also believe in knowing what you are getting. Our latest dog was bought in a pet store and we got her because the person couldn't keep her. She is perfect for us since we aren't big on entertaining, but being part Rotty and whoknowswhat, she isn't friendly, and we have to shut her away when others come to our house. We will only get breeds in future. If you get a Collie, you know what you are getting temperament wise. But I admire, support, and encourage you both! Have lotsa fun.

I grew up with beagles — they mellow with lazy owners, trust me on that. :) Of course, Jana has the right idea – a beagle/basset mix would be perfect, and oh my goodness! the ears of softness…..Best of luck finding the perfect fit.

Ohhh I am so jealous! My boyfriend and I can't have a dog in our townhouse and it's been really difficult for me since I've always had a dog in my life. Every time I go home to visit my parents I find that I spend the majority of my time playing with the puppy!

I've hardly ever had only 1 dog. As Nan said, having 2 is easier and in my view much nicer than having 1. A pair, in my experience, are better adjusted and more companionable with one another and their humans. Living with 3, which I've sometimes done, is only slightly more complicated. But not everyone is inclined or can afford having 2…we travel so much that kennel fees are just part of our ordinary expences but there's no denying that 2 dogs costs twice as much as 1–also for feeding and vet costs.

I've had purebreds–Weimaraner, shelties, beagle, Siberian husky–but mostly our dogs have always shelter dogs. We adopt through organisations that place the rescue dogs in foster homes before adopting out. This means we get really good information on temperament and habits.

I'm very excited for you and can't wait to see your new family member!

I agree with the others that two are better than one. They will always have each other while you are out and when you are travelling, makes it easier to board knowing they will be together. One last point, both you and John can have one to snuggle with at the same time. How will the two of you share just one?

Eva: I know how you feel. I haven't had a dog since I was in high school (about 23 years ago). And John and I have been actively wanting one for about five years now. So the time has definitely come. Hopefully you won't have to wait that long.

Amy: I enjoy cats and John thinks he may want one. We will see.

Kerry: Some people just dive in and get dog whether they are settled or not. Perhaps the rest of us think too much rather than just doing it. Then again the shelters are full of dogs from people who weren't ready to have one.

Steph: I amm okay with pits, I have met quite a few that were great. But I might not be right for our lifestyle.

Darlene: Thank you.

Jana: That sounds like a good combo.

Ted: Maybe you should…

Emily: I think we may end up getting one on the bigger side.

Elise: Thanks, I can't wait.

Nan: The good thing is that the shelter we go to does lots of temperment testing.

Susan: My parents have a beagle and the mutt we had growing up was part beagle.

Ash: You will have to make sure your next place takes dogs.

Molly: I know the feeling. We went and looked again today and I was starting to feel like I needed to take home about five of them.

Bibliophile by the Sea: Who doesn't like looking at cute dog pitctures.

Margaret: I would take your two dogs in a second. They are such great looking dogs. I always love to see new photos of them on your blog.

Supersport: Elora wasn't there today. It looks like she was adopted, but Brix was cuter than ever.